The nation's eight best women's hockey teams are ready to drop the puck on the 2026 Miller Waste U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship.
The action on the ice is only part of the equation, as the tournament week promises to be a first-class experience for the participating student-athletes and the thousands of fans that will flock to the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira from March 19-22. Each day promises to bring more excitement, culminating in the Golden path Trophy being awarded to the national champion at centre ice of the Dan Snyder Arena.
Wednesday, March 18: 2026 Miller Waste U Sports Awards Banquet presented by Melloul-Blamey
After the participating teams funnel into Waterloo Region early in the week, the first set of hardware will be handed out a day ahead of puck drop. The awards ceremony will be hosted at Fed Hall on the University of Waterloo's main campus, and will be presented by Melloul-Blamey Construction, Inc. It will be a chance for the U SPORTS hockey community to celebrate the individual award winners, All-Rookie team members, and All-Canadians, culminating in the presentation of the Brodrick trophy for U SPORTS Outstanding Player of the Year.
"At Melloul-Blamey Construction, our commitment to community starts with our people," said Jeffrey B. Shantz, Vice-President, Project Development for Melloul-Blamey Construction, Inc. "From team members raising young athletes to supporting sport across Ontario, we're proud to sponsor the U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship and Awards Banquet, and champion the next generation of women in sport. This event is a powerful celebration of leadership, teamwork, and excellence."
Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20: National quarterfinal games
The action begins on Thursday at 3pm with the first of four quarterfinal matchups on the ice. The opening ceremonies will take place on Thursday night at 7pm, followed by the host Warriors hitting the ice for quarterfinal number two. Thursday's action is presented with the support of McDonald Benefit Advisors.
"Participating in university athletics is a truly unique experience. Student-athletes balance demanding academic schedules with training, practices, video sessions, and game competition — all while striving to maintain balance," said Mike McDonald, President & Founder of McDonald Benefit Advisors. "As a former varsity athlete myself, I understand firsthand the discipline and sacrifice required to pursue excellence in sport without compromising academic success. Supporting more than 150 student-athletes in their pursuit of greatness is something our entire team at McDonald Benefit Advisors is incredibly proud to stand behind."
Friday's schedule will look the same, with quarterfinal games going at 3pm and 7pm to determine the final two teams that will advance to the semi-finals on the championship side of the bracket. Friday's games are presented with the support of AMI Attachments.
Saturday March 21: All eight teams in action
Super Saturday begins with the consolation semifinals, at 10 am and 1pm, respectively. The championship semifinals take centre stage on Saturday afternoon, when Thursday's quarter-final winners face off for a spot in the national title game at 4pm. Then, Friday's winners will battle for the second championship berth at 7pm.
In addition to the action at the Dan Snyder Arena, fans can head over to the community room inside the Woolwich Memorial Centre to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit at Fan Fest, which runs from 12-5pm. The exhibit will be a primer of U SPORTS and OUA hockey history, alongside exhibits that focus on the PWHL, Team Canada, and diversity in hockey. All four games and the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit are presented by TD Insurance.
"We're thrilled to sponsor the 2025 Miller Waste U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship, which showcases the next generation of elite athletes in Canada," said Steve Laurin, Vice President, Affinity Market Group, TD Insurance. "At TD Insurance, we're committed to supporting the advancement of women to help build a more inclusive tomorrow, and through this sponsorship, we're able to support these incredible athletes and highlight the importance of girls and women in sport."
Sunday, March 22: Champions crowned
Championship Sunday gets going at 8am, as the two consolation semifinal winners will square off in the consolation final, with a fifth-place finish on the line. At 11am, a pair of teams will fight for the podium in the bronze medal game, leading into the tournament's grand finale: the national gold medal game, at 3pm, live on CBC. All the action on Sunday is presented by Doane Grant Thornton LLP, who are also sponsoring coaching clinic and the officials for the tournament.
"Doane Grant Thornton is proud to support the Miller Waste U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship, celebrating athletic excellence and honouring women's leadership in sport," said Heather Andrews, Senior Manager, Independent Business Group, Doane Grant Thornton LLP. "This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work—especially here in Waterloo, where sport and community pride run deep. Together, we're investing in opportunities that help the Waterloo community grow stronger and thrive."
Ticket packages available now
Tournament packages and single-day tickets are still available, but moving fast. Ticket discounts are also available for alumni across Canada who have an affinity partnership with TD insurance. In continuing with the theme of "See Them, Be Them," the Warriors have partnered with local minor hockey associations to provide discounts and fundraising through a promo code. To take advantage, just get the promo code from your minor hockey association and enter it online when buying your tickets. You'll receive a discounted ticket rate, and a portion of your ticket purchase will go right back to your minor hockey association. For more info or tickets, go to usportstickets.ca.
